London: Unlike some of the Indian stars, the English players are in favour of using the much-debated Umpire Decision Review System (UDRS) in next month’s four-Test series between the two sides.
Pacer James Anderson has expressed his displeasure over Indian Cricket Board’s (BCCI) refusal to allow the usage of UDRS in the upcoming series, saying the technology improves decision-making.
“I don’t understand why. If all the other Test-playing nations are using it, India don’t have to use it if they say they don’t want to. We want to play with it as it clearly improves decision-making,” Anderson was quoted as saying by The Daily Mirror.
“I’m all in favour of it — but it’s their problem if they’re not going to support it,” the pacer added.
Top Indian players such as Sachin Tendulkar and skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni have been vocal critics of the UDRS but English players like spin spearhead Graeme Swann have backed the use of technology.
Last week, according to a report in The Daily Telegraph, the BCCI sent official notification to the England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) that it does not want the system to be used in the series in July.
Consent of both the boards is required for the system to be used in a series.
Anderson, who has been recalled for the third and final Test against Sri Lanka starting on Tuesday after recovering from a side strain, also added that he is convinced that he and his team-mates will go down in history as legends if they beat India in the coming series.
“India are No 1 in the world and if we beat them in the series, we’ll be the best team in the world,” he said.
Anderson was injured during the first Test against Sri Lanka in Cardiff.
The Lancashire paceman reiterated that England have been striving towards becoming the number one Test side in the world.
“We’ve been working towards this for the past few years. We want to become No 1 in the world and want people to say this is the best ever England side,” he said.
“I think we can do that. This is the best team spirit I’ve experienced. We’ve got a really strong squad, not just a really strong first eleven,” he added. (PTI)
